The Main Factors That Affect Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air circulating within homes, offices and other occupied enclosed structures. Ensuring the health of the occupants within these areas is crucial, which is why it’s important to understand and find ways to control and improve the IAQ of these properties.

Cafco Services, one of the top local HVAC companies, discusses three main factors that affect IAQ.

Ventilation

It’s been said that, on average, indoor air has up to 200 times more pollution than the air outdoors. Indeed, the interior of homes and businesses accumulate pollutants from a variety of sources, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Often found in typical household materials like aerosols and plastics, VOCs are dispersed into the air through off-gassing.

Ensuring proper ventilation aids greatly in keeping these indoor pollutants at bay. Opening windows is one way to achieve this. This works best when two are opened at the same time: one for exhaust and the other for intake. Investing in efficient HVAC filter products also helps keep indoor pollutant levels low.

Humidity

Mold and mildew can quickly spread and multiply in areas with high levels of humidity. Ideally, indoor humidity levels need to remain below 50%, which means it’s imperative for homeowners to utilize humidifiers and dehumidifiers to maintain the appropriate percentage. Some of these units can be standalone devices, while others are meant to be incorporated into existing HVAC units and smart home systems.

Air Purification

Air purification is one aspect of IAQ that works well in enclosed structures that don’t have proper ventilation. Here, an air purifier processes the air indoors, ensuring a constant stream of clean air for the occupants to safely breathe. Such a device filters out tiny particles not normally caught by conventional HVAC systems.

Turn to Cafco Services for your residential or commercial HVAC needs. We also offer industrial hot side and refrigeration equipment services. Call (513) 906-6105 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with us.